Mel Kiper on Brian Thomas Jr.: NFL Combine 'really helped his cause'

Xavier Worthy grabbed the NFL Combine’s attention with his record-breaking 40. But maybe more league teams will be looking at Brian Thomas Jr, the former LSU star who is much bigger and was only a breath behind.

While Worthy, who is a wisp of a receiver at 165 pounds, ran a 4.21 at the NFL Combine to put himself into the first-round conversation. Thomas dashed to a 4.33, which was the second quickest among receivers who ran the 40 at Lucas Oil Stadium last Saturday in Indianapolis. The time also tied for third-speediest among all prospects.

Now, keep in mind that Thomas is 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds. No wonder ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper said he likely would place Thomas back into the middle of the first round in his next mock. Kiper proclaimed that Thomas “really helped his cause.”

That means LSU possibly could have two first round receivers, given that Malik Nabers should go in the top 10.

Kiper ticked off what he loved about the other LSU wideout during a recent episode of First Draft. “Brian Thomas, he has 4.33 speed, the ability to take the top off a defense. Averages 17 yards a catch, with 17 touchdowns, even though he was the other receiver at LSU for Jayden Daniels.”

Here is a guarantee about the draft. The first round will be crowded with quarterbacks and receivers, then offensive tackles. There could be as many as six quarterbacks amongst the top 32 picks. And, there could be at least that many receivers, if not one more.

After the NFL Combine performances are factored in, there might be a pair of LSU receivers and a duo from the Texas Longhorns — Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. Nabers did not work out, but Thomas, Worthy and Mitchell did. Like Thomas, Mitchell also is a fleet receiver with a big body.

Remember these names. The top three receivers are Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze and Nabers. Those are top 10 guys. Then there is another layer of receivers who likely will go after there is a rush of defenders. That is where Thomas figures in. He met with the Bills, Bengals, Cowboys, 49ers, Patriots and Texans. Those teams could select him with a mid to late first rounder or maybe early in the second.

“He is a kid who had a heck of a season and there’s room to get better,” Kiper said. “So he has not yet become the receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is going to be. Maybe once he gains more coaching and experience … Is he a one year wonder? Yea. But he has the talent and he did it this year at the highest level.”